Veteran and Long-Time Jacksonville, NC Local Set to Open Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Franchise

Rob Crumpler is a local to Jacksonville, North Carolina, with he and his family having lived in the area most of their lives. The only time Crumpler moved away was when he enlisted with the U.S. military. Now, years later, Crumpler and his two brothers, Joshua and Joe, are putting down lasting roots, and are set to open their very own franchise in the heart of their community.

Before deciding which franchise brand he wanted to invest in, Rob researched a number of franchises, but when he learned about an opportunity to open his own Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, he knew this was the moment he was looking for. Rob presented the franchise to his brothers, and they all agreed. The Crumplers are now slated to hold a Grand Reopening Party on May 6 for their very first location at 2421 Gum Branch Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540.

1851 Franchise spoke to Rob about his background and why he chose Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar as his first venture into franchising.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Rob Crumpler: I’ve spent around 30 years affiliated with the military, either with the Reserves or on Active Duty. After my military career, I spent somewhere between 15 and 20 years in the corporate world doing systems engineering and project management work. Now, I own a construction business in Jacksonville, and I also own a short-term rental business that’s spread across North Carolina. Shuckin’ Shack is my first experience with franchising.

I started looking into franchise opportunities a few years back but nothing panned out. I already knew about Shuckin’ Shack because my family and I frequent one of their locations near our home. We really like the business, and one day I saw there was an opportunity to acquire one, so I started looking into it. I spoke to the corporate team, and we made it happen. My two brothers and I decided to go into business together because we already have a lot of overlapping business interests. It just made sense.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Crumpler: I think one of the best parts about franchises is that they provide you with a level of infrastructure that you don’t have to worry about developing on your own. Franchises are established, so you don’t have to concern yourself with things like coming up with menu items, décor or how to design the atmosphere. Sure, we could’ve done all that, but most franchises have proven that they know how to operate a business. From an economic and efficiency standpoint, it was a no-brainer for us.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Crumpler: For starters, my family and I really like seafood. As I mentioned, we were already familiar with Shuckin’ Shack, and we’d occasionally go there and get oysters, shrimp and crab legs. That’s how we were introduced to the concept. But it’s also a fun atmosphere. It’s sit-down dining, but it’s a very lively and fun place to enjoy a meal.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Crumpler: We’re really still focused on opening, but we’ll see how things go within the first year. If we think the model works for us, then we’ll definitely look into some future locations, but we’re still in the early stages.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Crumpler: My brothers and I, we’re all local to the Jacksonville area. We really want to be involved with our community, and we have been for most of our lives. My entire family, my wife and her entire family, we’re all from Duplin County, which is right next door. We grew up here. Our families have had businesses in this area. Going back to the early ‘80s, my dad was a business owner in Jacksonville. It just made sense that we would open a franchise here, too. We have a lot of connections and roots to this area.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Crumpler: There’s never going to be a good time to start a business, so just do it. I’d say that applies to just about anything in life. There’s always going to be some kind of an excuse. But really, there’s never a good time to start a business for the first time. Take a chance, do it and find a way to make it work.

About Shuckin' Shack: 

Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar grew out of a vision for a local establishment that would appeal to families of all ages. A place where friends and family can enjoy fresh, delicious meals and creative cocktails in an environment that exudes relaxation. Shuckin' Shack offers its guests a "lifestyle experience" in addition to exceptional seafood. The brand started as a 900-square-foot shack in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, in 2007 and began franchising in 2014. Today, Shuckin' Shack has grown to 19 locations across seven states. To learn more about Shuckin’ Shack, visit http://www.theshuckinshack.com